Following is an email I sent to Seth mid-afternoon.
I’ve heard this three times today. It’s got to be the current cliche. Gross.
I was referring to the phrase “technology companies are bought not sold.” This unquestionably belongs on Fred Wilson’s VC Cliche of the Week post. While Fred didn’t have a cliche post on it, he did have a post in early 2004 that linked to Ed Sim talking about it.
Now – there’s nothing wrong with the statement – it’s very relevant and often true. However, it’s starting to feel like an “honestly, to tell you the truth” type thing (whenever someone says this I immediately become suspicious.) When someone is trying to make a point, the tired old cliche that is being thrown around like a worn out tennis ball that my dogs have been chewing on doesn’t really do it for me.
Ah – snarkiness off. Time for bed.